Changing eligibility age for free public travel opposed by councillors

A motion to oppose changing the eligibility age for free public travel has been passed unanimously by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The motion was brought before Council by Cllr Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit). 

Cllr Harkin said: "The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has now been sent a very clear message from all parties, including those who would constitute a new Stormont Executive, that this change should not happen. 

"Stormont officials know from the consultation, protests and focus group events that there is across the board opposition to the proposal to raise the age of SmartPass eligibility to 65 or 66. 

"Instead of limiting free travel, government should be taxing energy companies and banks properly to expand free public travel to tackle the cost of living, social isolation and respond to climate change. 

"With no Executive and widespread opposition to the age change, the DfI has absolutely no mandate impose this regressive age change. To ram through this draconian Tory cut would be a highly authoritarian act."

Cllr Harkin said People Before Profit would continue to spearhead the campaign.

He added: "There will be more protests, more motions to Council's and more people power action. 

"We want see widespread resistance develop in response to the punishment budget being imposed here by the Tory Secretary of State."

Cllr Harkin's motion to Derry and Strabane District Council plenary (June 28):

"Council notes the Department for Infrastructure is presently carrying out a 12-week concessionary fares consultation that will have a direct impact on our aspirations towards greater public transport usage and for social inclusion, cost of living and climate goals.

Council will write to the DfI expressing:

• Our opposition to the negative proposal to raise the age of SmartPass eligibility from Over-60 and limit SmartPass access to off-peak times or bus only.

• Our support for the proposal to make public transport free for those currently qualifying for a half-fare concession due to a disability and support for companion passes for qualifying people with a disability unable to travel alone. 

• Our support for the extension of SmartPass qualifying criteria to reduce social exclusion, support asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking.

• Our support for school age universal free public travel.

• Our support for the restoration of the Fuel Duty Rebate to Translink."